Snow Blower vs Electric Power Shovel in Missouri
If you only get 2 or 3 measurable snowfalls a year and have a modest driveway or large deck, spending $1,000 on a full snow blower might be a waste. Here is when a $150 cordless power shovel is the smarter purchase.
Electric Power Shovel ($120–$250)
- • Weighs only 12–16 lbs; carry it up deck stairs effortlessly.
- • Clears wooden decks, brick steps, and small sidewalks.
- • Hangs on a wall hook in the garage (zero floor space).
- • Uses cordless tool batteries (Toro 60V, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Greenworks).
- ✗ Throws snow only straight forward (no directional chute).
- ✗ Back-straining if used to clear a full 2-car driveway.
Walk-Behind Snow Blower ($500–$1,400)
- • Clears full 2-to-4 car driveways in 10 to 20 minutes.
- • Directional chute aims snow left, right, and far into the yard.
- • Slices through frozen street plow windrows effortlessly.
- • Self-propelled wheels prevent user back fatigue.
- ✗ Heavy (80 to 250 lbs); impossible to carry onto elevated decks.
- ✗ Requires dedicated floor storage space all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
An electric power shovel is a motorized handheld tool (weighing 12 to 16 pounds) with an enclosed high-speed impeller blade at the bottom of a shaft. It scoops and throws snow 20 to 25 feet forward, functioning like an ultra-compact single-stage snow thrower without wheels.
Missouri Winter Equipment Alerts
Get Storm-Prep Reminders Before Missouri Winter Weather Strikes
Never get caught with a gummed-up carburetor the morning of a 6-inch storm. We send timely alerts on pre-season startup deadlines, parts availability in KC/St. Louis/Columbia, and storm preparation equipment checklists.
Zero spam. No third-party data sales. Unsubscribe anytime with 1 click.